System Of A Down – Aerials

Aerials drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of John Dolmayan's drum part on System Of A Down's “Aerials”, from the album Toxicity (2001). Every groove, build-up and heavy section is written out in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Aerials drum sheet music

“Aerials” closes Toxicity, System Of A Down’s breakthrough album, and was released as a single in 2002. It topped both the US Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts and was nominated for a Grammy.

The song moves between atmospheric verses and heavy, powerful sections, and John Dolmayan’s part follows every change. Our customers say this transcription helped them realise how much to hold back – the quiet parts need restraint and control, so the heavy sections hit even harder. It is a great study in dynamics.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This Aerials drum transcription was written bar by bar from System Of A Down's studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the Aerials drum notes exactly as they were played on the record.

The notation is clean and professionally engraved, with clearly marked sections and repeats, so it is quick to find your place when you jump to a fill or a chorus. Print it for your music stand or keep it on a tablet – both work well.

Song facts

• Artist: System Of A Down
• Album: Toxicity (2001)
• Drummer: John Dolmayan
• Style: alternative metal

What you get

When you buy Aerials drum sheet music, you get:

• The full song, transcribed note-for-note from the original recording
• Clearly labelled song sections
• Professionally engraved, print-ready PDF
• Instant download after purchase

How to practise Aerials on drums

A step-by-step way to learn Aerials on drums with the sheet music:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Mark the quiet and heavy sections.
2. Practise the quiet parts softly. Use a metronome and keep them controlled.
3. Learn the heavy sections. Play them with power but keep the time steady.
4. Practise the transitions. Switching between the two moods is the hardest part.
5. Play with the record. Follow Serj Tankian’s vocal for the dynamics.
6. Record yourself. Check you are holding back enough in the quiet parts.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free Aerials drum tabs are rough sketches – the main groove, maybe a fill or two, and rhythms that are hard to read. Note-for-note sheet music shows exactly what was played and when, so you learn the real part instead of an approximation, and you learn it faster.

Who is this sheet music for?

Aerials drum sheet music is for intermediate drummers who want to work on dynamics and control in a heavy song, and for System Of A Down fans and cover bands.

About John Dolmayan

John Dolmayan has been System Of A Down’s drummer since 1997, playing on System Of A Down, Toxicity, Steal This Album! and Mezmerize/Hypnotize. His precise, energetic style handles the band’s sudden changes of tempo and mood.

More System Of A Down drum sheet music

Want more than one song? The System of a Down Ultimate Drum Sheet Music Collection includes Aerials together with other songs, at a lower price than buying them one by one. You can also get other System Of A Down songs one by one: Chop Suey, Toxicity, Lonely Day and Revenga. See them all on the System Of A Down drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of Aerials?

Yes – every section from the first bar to the last, exactly as played on the original recording. It is not a shortened or simplified version.

Is it written as drum tabs or as drum notation?

As standard drum notation on a five-line staff. Tabs can show which drum to hit but not the exact rhythm – notation shows both.

How do I get the PDF after I buy?

The download link appears straight after checkout and is also sent to your email. You can print the PDF or read it on a tablet.

Is Aerials easier than other System Of A Down songs?

It is one of the more approachable SOAD songs, but the dynamics and the heavy sections still need good control.

Can’t find the song you need?

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